In God’s Image

God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. — Genesis 1:27 What do you think of yourself?One person might say, “I’m a guy who made millions selling cars.” Or “I was the first woman in my family to go to college.” Or “I’m just a hard worker who wants to take care of my family.” We all have a variety of abilities and callings.Ultimately, though, it is essential for us to recognize that we are made in God’s image. This means that in many ways we can act, think, and create, as God does. We can also have a relationship of friendship with God our Creator himself.I have a friend who did development work in some of the poorest villages in Central America. The people there needed help with many things: agriculture, literacy, health, marriage, parenting, and so on. But this wise friend, Moises, did not go into a village and try to fix everyone’s problems.Instead he started a Bible study. And he began with this passage in Genesis. He shared with his listeners that they were all created in God’s image. He helped them to see that they could think and act creatively and have a life-changing relationship with God. And when people accepted this truth about themselves, they could begin to believe and see that they could bring changes into their lives and communities. They couldn’t change anything on their own, but they learned that in the power of God they could do all kinds of things! Lord God, help us to see that we are created in your image to carry out your work in this world. Help us to remember and to share this truth with others. Amen.